Amsterdam winner Wanjiru unfazed by London challenge

Amsterdam Marathon champion Daniel Wanjiru is hoping to stamp his authority at the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon where he has been drawn to face an imposing men’s elite field on April 23.

Wanjiru who is aiming for a podium finish is unfazed to be among a stellar cast in the World Marathon Majors event led by Ethiopian track legend and the Berlin Marathon Champion Kenenisa Bekele.

In the absence of two-time winner and defending champion Eliud Kipchoge who is also the Olympics titleholder, Bekele who missed the world record by six seconds is the rank favourite in the line-up released by organisers on Monday.

Wanjiru is included in the Kenyan charge that also includes London 2012 Olympics silver medallist and two-time world champion, Abel Kirui last year’s runners-up Stanley Biwott as well as World Cross and World Half silver winner, Bedan Karoki who will make his debut over the distance.

Among others in the rich field include world and New York champion Ghimray Ghebrsellasie from Eritrea and Rio Olympics silver medallist Feyisa Lilesa from Ethiopia.

“It will be the first time I shall be competing at a major race when I go there I shall go to compete as Wanjiru and I shall fear of the likes of Bekele, Kirui and others who have experience in these races.

“After my win in Amsterdam, I went on with my training and my body is responding well to and I hope to lower my personal best there. I hope shall have a good race,” Wanjiru who is ranked as a dark horse in London told Citizen Digital.

His maiden marathon win in the Dutch City drew comparisons with namesake and the late 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist and championship record holder Samuel Wanjiru.

Kenyans saw the birth of another ‘Wanjiru’ and celebrated him for leading compatriots in taking all top nine positions at the race.

Wanjiru smashed the course record at 2:05.19 to take the top honours followed closely by two-time Chicago runners-up Sammy Kitwara (2:05.45) and Marius Kimtuai (2:05.47) who rounded the podium.

Ever since his motivational win, Wanjiru the father of two has only participated in one local race the Susumua Half Marathon to test his training and was contented with the results.

He is aiming at emulating his more illustrious namesake and win the London title with the late Wanjiru who won the 2009 title in what was a 2:05:10 that was then a course record.